GAME REPORT

Sparta&K Deny Tarsus After Late Show

Candice Dupree led the visitors with a 27-point, 10-rebound double-double

Tarsus Belediye looked to be on course for a famous win against four-time champions Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje, but they couldn't hold on as the visitors dug out a hard-fought 83-79 success in EuroLeague Women Group A.

Having lost by a single point on the road at Wisla Can-Pack last time out, this was another heart-breaker for the Turkish hosts who will feel moving to a 1-6 record is rough justice.

Having trailed 44-32 at one stage after a three-pointer by Marina Kuzina, Tarsus did the hard work by getting themselves back into the game and a great position thanks to a 16-6 run in the third quarter.

When Delisha Milton-Jones scored a basket with six minutes left on the game clock, it put Tarsus 73-65 ahead, and seemingly in control.

But, their lead quickly evaporated as Sparta&K rattled off 11 unanswered points to change the course of the contest.

Even though Tarsus did briefly get a share of the lead back during the last two minutes, Sparta&K showed the greater composure down the stretch to grind out another tight win, following on from their narrow success last week at home against Rivas Ecopolis.

Candice Dupree had a sensational game for Sparta&K with 27 points and 10 rebounds, whilst frontcourt partner Isabelle Yacoubou also grabbed a double-double with 15 points and 10 boards.

Danielle Robinson had an equally impressive 26 points, six assists and five rebounds for a disappointed Tarsus.

COACH QUOTES

Quotes: Tarsus vs. Sparta&K M.R. Vidnoje

Tarsus Head Coach Erdal Yegin

"We played well the whole game but we could not finish hard. Congratulations to Sparta&K. It was a good experience for us. We just look ahead to the next games."

Sparta&K M.R. Head Coach Pokey Chatman

"We knew this would be a tough game. Despite its record, Tarsus is a good team. I am glad we were able to pull out a win by dialing up a decent defensive effort."

Tarsus player Dila Askin

"That was a really hard game for us but we prepared well and we were ready for the game. Congrats to Sparta&K for the win. We will keep looking ahead for Turkish and Europe games.

Sparta&K M.R. player Elisa Aguilar

"It's always great to win away, especially when it is against a tough team like Tarsus. We are happy that we played well when we needed to play and I had to admit that this was a product of team work."